Buying a used car is a great way to save money — and get a great vehicle. But buying used can also be nerve-wracking. Do you really know what you’re buying? The tips on this page were designed to help you educate yourself and avoid scams. Good luck!

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Before You Go Shopping for a Vehicle

Consider the price range that fits your budget. Set a limit you can afford and stick to it. Remember to factor in insurance and license costs.

Decide what kind of vehicle you want and what features are important to you – like fuel economy, towing or cargo capacity or other options. Visit online car buying cites to preview vehicles that interest you.

Get your credit report and credit score. You can get this information from the 3 major credit bureaus. The higher your score, the better the interest rate you can qualify for.

Check with your bank. Find out the current interest rate for car loans and whether you qualify for a loan. Your bank may be able to provide a better loan than one you’d get from a car dealer.

Check the “blue book” value of the car you might buy, as well as the value of the one you presently own. You can review used car values at:

At the Dealers

Buying a car is exciting, but keep your emotions in check. If a salesperson knows you can’t live without a particular car, you’ve lost your bargaining power.

Look under the hood for anything obvious, like oil leaks or heat damage

Carefully check the body and paint – differences mean it was damaged previously

Check for any signs that the vehicle has been wet for extended period of time such as mold, mildew or rust inside car or in the trunk where the spare tire sits

Test-drive the vehicle. Check for smoke, fumes and odd noises, and that all lights, windows, wipers, air conditioner/heater and gauges work.

When you find the Car You Want

Don’t be rushed! Don’t give in to high pressure, “this offer is only good today” pitches. Any legitimate deal will be there tomorrow. Be prepared to walk away if the price is not right.

Be sure to take the car to a mechanic you trust and have it checked for any major repairs needed now or in the near future. An “inspection” performed by the dealer is not a replacement for having your own mechanic look at it.

For a small fee, you can get the vehicle’s complete history, including major damage or title defects, from:

Statements or “brands” such as flood damage, an insurance determination that the vehicle was a “total loss” or that it was rebuilt

The odometer reading when last sold

Verifying that the seller has the title before you buy may save prolonged legal problems and difficulties should you want to resell the vehicle.

On your loan, know:

Amount of monthly payment

Interest rate

Duration

Total amount owed

Before you sign anything, make sure you read and understand it.

There is NO 3 day right to change your mind. Once you sign, the vehicle is yours, potential problems and all.

Get spoken promises in writing and insist on receiving copies of all paperwork.

Use Caution! If you are buying a used car advertised in the newspaper or that was parked with a for-sale sign in the window, be especially cautious. Vehicles that may have been stolen, flooded or wrecked may be sold this way by con artists posing as original owners.